Has anyone had success skim coating over popcorn ceilings to avoid disturbing potential asbestos, and if so, do you have any tips for covering them safely?
Asked by Eivor Sanden 
8 months ago
Last Updated: May 6, 2024
Has anyone here ever attempted skim coating over popcorn ceilings? I’m looking for advice on how to cover them up without the risk of asbestos. I’m hesitant to scrape it off myself for safety reasons.
What’s the age of the popcorn?
I think mentioned that the house was constructed in 1976, but I’m not entirely sure.
If you want, you can submit a sample to be tested. We recently had a customer do that.
It’s pretty simple. Just grab a hopper and some thin mud to apply more effectively, then trowel it down smoothly, lightly sand, and repeat until you reach the desired smoothness.
When was your house constructed?
1976 for sure!
Make sure to scrape it first to remove any loose material before proceeding further.
Try using an electric ceiling sander along with a vacuum, then apply ceiling texture and paint. It’s a method I use in the Baton Rouge region, and it works well.
You have the option to apply a 1/4″ drywall layer, tape it, and mud it. It might be simpler than removing it completely and doing a skim coat.
What’s the age of your house? If it’s 40 years or younger, simply spray and scrape it away
‘s thing dates back to 1976
Was born in 1980, so be safe and proceed with caution
Keep wetting and scraping, then repeat the process.
Make sure to have the popcorn tested first. If it hasn’t been painted before, scraping it off may be easier than skim coating over it, and you’ll probably end up with better results.
You might be able to get away with skim coating even though it’s a bit of a hassle
How many years has ‘s house been around?
It was constructed in 1976! We are the second owners and there have been no significant renovations before we purchased it a couple of years back.
I scraped my popcorn ceiling off and I’m fine. Just make sure to wear a mask for protection.
Just wet the ceiling and scrape it off. Most popcorn ceilings are too new to have asbestos. It comes off very easily. Still, wear a mask for safety.
Back in the 80s, popcorn ceilings could still contain a type of asbestos called crystotile. This asbestos is highly crumbly and the dust can easily get into your lungs. It takes 20-30 years for lung damage to show up, and by then it’s too late to treat. Get it tested and removed by professionals if it contains asbestos – why take the risk with your health?
Make sure to wear a mask, you’ll be good! 😊
I’m hoping that’s just sarcasm
I’ve witnessed it being attempted and it’s terrible, if you’re not going to do it right, just don’t bother.
Ahhhhhh so much foolishness in the comments
Get it tested, then come back
It’s the initial step no matter what